Ford Focus ST review - CarBuyer

The all-new Ford Focus ST is a performance-oriented version of the Focus, but is built with an eye on everyday usability as well. As a result it's not only blisteringly quick in a straight line but it's also comfortable and refined too. The suspension strikes a great balance between ensuring sharp handling and softly sprung comfort, while the engine sounds quiet below 3500rpm. Unlike the old Focus ST, the current model is only available as a five-door and it now comes as an estate model too, which means it's more of a family car than ever before. It also starts at a price-tag that greatly undercuts its main rivals.

[KangarooKidd]

I have a Focus ST, and I'll just quote a friend of mine. "It's just simply fun to drive." It's not the fastest, it's not the best handling, but it is the best overall. It does everything equally well, and it's so much cheaper than the competitors. If you haven't gotten to test drive one, and put your foot into it, you really can't say anything. The sound note from the exhaust alone, is reason enough to buy this car. It's beautiful.

[steveobarnes]

I've watched about a dozen of your channels review, and just as many Focus ST Reviews. You are a great reviewer, managing to stay just as enthused about a base level focus, and even MPV Galaxy as you do this car. This is also the punniest, most entertaining and informative review of the ST I have come across. Keep up the good work!

[laescob]

Congrats on your new camera. I like to think that's a gift for Carbuyers success!

[snnyburnett]

I find it hard to believe he questioned the looks. I think it looks pretty good.

[Pablin]

Golf GTI sent me to Vauxhall Astra VXR who sent me to Reneaultsport Megane 265 who sent me here, who now sent me the VW Scirocco. Love how carbuyer does that.

[OEMPlus]

if you think that ford requires a lot of maintenance you've just invalidated your opinion. i've worked on everything porsches to oldsmobiles and fords really are one of the best brands in terms of quality and engineering. they do stuff that makes sense, thats why i like em.

[NCCVE]

Surprised there's quite a bit of torque steer when one of the main selling points they pushed was their new system which is supposed to correct a significant amount of it before you feel it in the wheel.

[benzbubblecat]

the five-cylinder volvo engine is what made the last ST so cool. This one I could take it or leave it.

[ETMotorsport]

TheVdub1988 I'm a BMW man at heart although I'm fond of most German built compact - medium autos, so it pains me to say that you're a little way off. Having driven both the Focus ST and Golf GTI on and off the track I can say with confidence that the Ford feels that bit sharper and more responsive. The ST is one of those cars that you could drive all day without getting tired of the experience. It handles perfectly and packs real punch. The GTI is just as pacey but is let down by its clumsy steering.

I can't fault the ST...it's a true drivers car. As for the GTI...I was disappointed. The second car I owned was a 2006 GTI and I thought the world of it at the time. The most recent GTI lacks the ability to deliver the thrills like the previous mark. Don't always be fooled by the spending more buys you more rhetoric, either. I've learnt this the hard way, I'm afraid. 

[MrSicness]

I have not even started to watch the review and I already commented, liked, and mark it as favorite!

[MConeyworth]

The interactive transcript on this video is quality.

[onoff]

The UK economy test must be so easy. So many cars get 50+MPG where in every other country it gets no where near

[mrkongsimr]

Is this the same, ecoboost engine, which is in the US cars ??

[aktiond]

Is it possible to hook up a towbar on it or is the exhaust in the way?

[Gogeta]

wow every1 talking about all the latest new performances cars and im still stuck with the Mk1 focus ST170, i need to upgrade at least to a Mk2

[spencerattack]

Nice review! Really like the focus, and this model just makes it better!

[dflash]

so in the end Mat wanted to say that the golf GTI is better or not?

[Stepdbeet]

I don't understand. Usually you have a negative comment on the lip in the truck the back seats and only now you used the term Performance car

[moddingpark]

I agree with you... I'd prefer any of the other hatchbacks he mentioned.
Also, at least where I live, the GTI and the Scirocco GT are actually 2000 euros less than the Focus ST.

[freestick]

speaking about price at the end was really brave and fair:))